Wednesday, April 26, 2006

Acne Treatment And Skin Care Review

1. Acne is a condition of the sebaceous glands of the skin. These sebaceous glands surround each hair follicle and produce sebum, an oily substance, to lubricate the hair. Acne usually appears on the face, back and chest. We list the causes of Acne.

2. Acne can be aggravated by sunlight, stress, allergies, alcohol, spicy foods and extremes in temperatures.

3. Retinoids at first dry and exfoliate the skin to minimize acne symptoms, but over time they may destroy the skin and cause severe disfigurement: "a flaming red, scaling, papule-covered face". AHA, BHA, and Accutane are examples of retinoids.

4. The use of antibiotics eventually leads to the development of resistant bacteria.)

5. Stress aggravates acne and rosacea.

6. Cigarette smoking aggravates acne and rosacea.

7. Alcohol provokes acne-related facial flushing (redness) because it dehydrates the body.

8. Lifestyle changes and healthy habits can greatly reduce the redness, pimples, and other symptoms of acne. Recommended lifestyle changes:

Reduce stress.
Drink at least 8 eight-ounce glasses of water (2 liters) per day. Ten to twelve glasses (3 liters) per day is recommended.Water should be icy cold. The hypothalamus, the body's "thermostat", cannot properly regulate temperature (and prevent facial flushing) unless kept cool and supplied with adequate water. Water also hydrates the skin, preventing clogged pores. Increasing your water intake will also help to reduce facial redness and excess oil.
Avoid stimulants such as coffee, tea, tobacco products and excessive sugar.
Avoid alcohol.
Avoid vigorous scrubbing, exfoliants, and other abrasives.
Use the right soap. Most soaps are too harsh for acne-afflicted skin.
Recognize and avoid foods and beverages which provoke an acne-related allergic reaction.
Avoid large meals; eat instead three small meals.
Exercise.
Avoid astringents and astringent soaps.
Change wash-cloths and body towels after each use.
Avoid the sun as much as possible. Sun exposure aggravates acne.